Last week, in her Cute Outfit Of The Day portrait, my ever-lovely colleague Noria Morales had on some gorgeous, delicate strappy sandals by—of all companies—Ugg. Intrigued, I did a little googling to get a closer look. I found them on zappos.com, and they are indeed as chic as they looked in her picture, with tiny wedge heels and skinny laces that wrap around the ankle. Most fascinating though is that the narrow leather band that runs across the toe of the shoe is lined with the brand's signature sheepskin. Could fur possibly make any sense on a sandal?? I promptly emailed Noria, and she had this to say: "I know, I thought the furry part was ridiculous at first too. But it actually just feels like this little hint of softness, and since the rest of the style is so bare, it doesn't get at all hot or uncomfortable. Plus, you'll never have to worry about blisters or chafing or any of that other yucky foot stuff." I'm sold.

In so many ways, the people who made this cosmetics bag totally got it right. The silk-screened image of a sweetly granny-ish pouch takes on an artsy trompe l'oeil quality in this context. It's made of fair-trade organic cotton and is printed using water-based ink. There are three color options, each as desirable as the next, and if you can't decide, it wouldn't be unfathomable to buy one of each, given that they're $20 apiece. I'm considering stocking up on a bunch to keep on hand to give as gifts.

If you were going to buy just one dress to wear for the next few months, I propose this one. The floral embroidery on the back is what really gets me—I love everything about it, from the intricacy of the stitching to the sexy cutouts between petals and the unusual mint, orange, and pink palette. There's something about the way it all comes together that gives the piece a bit of an art nouveau feel (the model's tousled chignon—so chic!—may be contributing to that as well). And there are plenty more details that add to its perfection, like scalloped trim at the neckline, pointelle insets on the skirt to give it a tiered look, and the raw-edged hem. It's laid-back enough to wear while roaming around a farmer's market, pulled-together enough to wear to a cocktail party, and flirty enough to wear on a date. All this for $118. I'm placing an order today.

The e-commerce site chickdowntown.com recently added a new feature called Who Wore It Best? that's maybe a bit corny and yet irresistible. It consists of two photos of the same model (or at least I'm pretty sure this is the same model?) wearing the same outfit, styled two different ways, and you cast your vote on which iteration you think works better. I'm having a tough time making a call on this one, and I keep clicking back to it to consider which I like better: the windswept look or the neater one? Why is it that these things are always so weirdly addictive?

I just stumbled on this website that specializes in contemporary Scandinavian design, and the pickings are really good, particularly if you need to buy someone a present. Plus the prices are very reasonable. I like the idea of stocking up on a set of these retro-looking bird-print dishcloths ($7), which could also be used as dinner napkins, or this serving tray, with its cheeky, ever-so-slightly-naughty motif ($45). For culinary types, try this cutting board ($28) slicked with an apple pattern (it also doubles as a trivet or placemat). And for anyone with a bicycle, this intricately carved plastic basket ($50) with a pattern inspired by old-fashioned crochet is so original and every bit as pretty as it is practical.

My friend Susan, who has very discriminating—and generally pretty fancy—taste, had on the chicest Mary Janes the other day. In cream-colored leather with a wide black elastic strap, they might be the most sophisticated take on this style I'd ever seen. The graphic palette and minimalist aesthetic are so cool and artsy, yet totally wearable, and Susan swears that with their cushioned rubber soles and ultra-soft leather uppers, they're also the most comfortable pair of shoes she's ever owned. I braced myself for her to tell me they were by some expensive big-name label, but as it turns out they're made by Camper, and happily, clock in at a relatively reasonable $140.

I can't decide where I stand on the issue of vests. Part of me thinks they're way too trendy and that, even if they weren't, it might be too late for me to try and adopt them. And yet I'm still tempted. For me, the key would be to find one that takes its cues from Savile Row—sharply tailored, simple, and menswear-inspired, to play up its classic quality. I like this one by Alexander Wang for all the aforementioned reasons. Overall it's very traditional, but rolled cap sleeves and a pair of grosgrain ribbons on the back give it a modern nudge. I could see it adding an interesting element to jeans and a tee, or layering it over a wispy sundress to lend a tough edge. But I'm on the fence. What do you guys think?

In the sea of summer dresses, this Mayle piece is completely unlike any other I've seen. The coal-and-crimson palette is dramatic and so unexpected for this time of year (let alone this particular season, where bright popsicle colors have definitely been a recurring theme), and coupled with the elaborate floral embroidery, it strikes me as the type of thing some jet-set flamenco dancer would wear on her days off. The details are so exquisite: scalloped trim around the edges and little pressed studs on the sleeves and running down the back. Were I to make it my own, I'd try it with strappy sandals and my 10-year-old denim jacket for a night out.

I never really thought I'd be describing a nightgown as cool until I saw this Simply Vera Vera Wang brushstroke chemise. The painterly navy-and-white motif gives it an edgy quality, which is offset by classically pretty details like delicate pleating at the bust and a dainty bow. It's made of paper-thin cotton, and there are adjustable straps and an elastic waist to ensure a perfect fit. And since it's part of Wang's collection for Kohl's, it's astoundingly affordable at $21.60. There's also a camisole version of the same piece ($16.80), which looks so cute and un-pajama-like I definitely think you could get away with wearing it out and about, particularly if it's layered under a cardigan or blazer.

My internal temperature tends to vacillate wildly and annoyingly between really hot and really cold, and so to compensate for the latter I'm rarely without some sort of big scarf that can double as a shawl, even in the height of summer. Sheer, lightweight ones are the best, so that they can easily be stuffed into my purse. I have a nice little collection of solid colored wraps. (Side note: should you ever find yourself in Dubai, be sure to stock up on high-quality, reasonably priced pashminas at a shop called Pride of Kashmir. There's an outpost in the same mall as the indoor ski slope, which is just as bizarre and surreal as it sounds.) Nothing I own, however, is remotely close to this patterned version I just spotted on dvf.com. It's hard to resist: not only do I love the exuberant, exotic vibe of the print, but it's made of linen and cotton so it's especially perfect for right now. And, since it's over five feet long, this would also work nicely as a sarong for the beach.

My tendency is to buy one pair of sunglasses and wear them daily for several years straight, or until I've dropped them so many times that the lenses are scratched to the point where I can barely see through them anymore. Most recently I had a pair of gold-rimmed Ray-Ban aviators, which I loved and wore religiously for the last couple of years even though they were constantly slipping down the bridge of my nose and actually fell off my face numerous times as a result (am I the only one this happens to??). I recently resigned myself to the fact that it's time for a replacement, and after looking around for a while, this Chelsea style by Oliver Peoples is it. They're chicly pared-down but oversize (I've always subscribed to the bigger-is-better belief when it comes to plastic frames) though the rims and bands are quite thin, which gives them a delicate, ladylike twist. There are no logos and/or bulging hardware—a pet peeve of mine—and happily, they fit so snugly I'll never have to worry about them nose-diving off my face. Though they're expensive ($325), if you plan to wear them as often and for as long as I do, they're worth it.

Whereas most of the time I end up going for a simple, streamlined look, summer has a way of bringing out my inner hippie. Elaborate exotic prints, earthy flat leather sandals, hair worn long, messy, and loose—bring it on. This silk baby-doll dress fits the theme perfectly; with its bright, finely detailed floral motif and smocked bodice it feels like the kind of thing that could've been worn by some glamorous bohemian type at Woodstock back in the day. Were I to go all-out with the '70s flower child fantasy I'd add some gold bangles and a couple of dabs of vaguely musky perfume oil.

I've been living in these military-style shorts lately and don't anticipate switching things up anytime soon. They are really one of the most comfortable, easy-to-throw-on pieces I own, made of the softest cotton you can imagine and with a really loose, slouchy fit that's perfect for this heat. The details are very much in keeping with their army-inspired origins: roomy pockets, snap buttons, little buckles, and tabs at the waist. To keep from looking completely rough and tumble, I've been pairing mine with patent leather sandals and lacy blouses.

Online jewelry purveyor ylang23.com just added estate pieces to their inventory and the stuff is exquisite. The prices are accordingly steep, but even if you aren't about to splurge it's still a lot of fun to browse. Take these Victorian earrings, which are ornate filigree paved with cognac diamonds in a darkened gold setting—ladylike with a touch of goth. They're so beyond beautiful that I'm actually reconsidering getting my ears pierced (and buying a lottery ticket). And for something more applicable for every day, these yellow gold starburst earrings accented with teeny diamonds in the middle are perfect, and so much more original than basic studs. Other highlights from the collection include this crimson-colored bakelite bracelet carved with a leaf-and-flower motif (I love the idea of letting this stand out against a really simple monochromatic outfit) and this intricately wrought swallow pin covered with blue enamel feathers and rose-cut diamonds, with ruby cabochon eyes.

I still have yet to satisfy my desire for long flowy dresses to wear this summer, and this one ranks high up on my wish list. The graphic floral pattern has a '70s-ish vibe to it, though the red and white palette keeps the look modern; double spaghetti straps on the halter also feel like a subtle nod to the disco era. The top half is skin-baring but not overly revealing, especially in relation to the loose, ankle-grazing bottom. It's made of a blend of silk and cotton, which sounds as light and soft-to-the-touch as you could ask for in the heat. My imagination is going wild with all the occasions this would be great for, which run the gamut from outdoor weddings to Sunday picnics with friends.

If I had to guess, I'd say this top, made of a lightweight knit with a crocheted zigzag border and cutouts, was in the $200-and-up range. The details are so refined (not to mention so cool and original) and come together beautifully, in a way that to me connotes expensive. Happily, I couldn't have been more wrong: Its actual price—$64—is way less than I'd have thought, and it's also particularly easy to track down at Banana Republic. It comes in a brilliant red and also in turquoise, though I like it best in this deep, goes-with-anything brownish black "carob chip" color.

Okay, so clearly you're going to want to iron this dress even though this shop—maybe purposefully?—did not. But when you picture it unwrinkled, there's all kinds of greatness happening. For starters, it's so versatile: There's enough shimmer to make this a good choice for evening but not so much that you'd feel inappropriately glitzy walking around in it during the day. The straightforward, relatively modest (and totally classic) cut also helps temper the shine. Cover up at the office with a shrunken cardigan or fitted jacket, and for off-hours just add some statement-making jewelry (either dangly earrings or a long chunky necklace would pair well here) and bare, strappy heels.

I've been trying to come up with a hostess gift for a friend who invited me to her beach house this summer, and I think a pair of these Lands' End towels might be it. They come in either bright lapis or pink coral framed by white borders, and they strike just the right balance between playful and sophisticated. The colors are yarn-dyed, which will apparently prevent them from fading in the sun, and the towels themselves are luxuriously proportioned at over six feet long. They're priced at $26.50, which means even if you buy two and have them monogrammed (another $5 apiece), you're still only spending as much as a couple of nice bottles of wine would cost—but getting something way more memorable and chic.

On the day of my wedding, one of my friends showed up bearing an Oscar de la Renta caftan for me to use as a dressing gown as I got ready, and it's definitely one of the loveliest and most thoughtful gifts I've ever received. It's beautiful, made of liquid-y silk in a stunning robin's-egg blue ikat print, and is the type of thing that really does make you feel more pretty/fancy/glamorous when you have it on. Quite handy when you're about to walk down the aisle obviously, but since then, it has also proved uplifting in the most mundane times (on the couch watching reruns of America's Next Top Model, reading the paper on Sunday morning, etc). I love it so much I'm pondering getting a second, this time in gauzy, perfect-for-the-tropics (or sticky-hot NYC in the summer), machine-washable cotton. The bracelet-length sleeves and lavish embroidery give this an especially feminine, exotic quality, and it looks every bit as flowy, comfortable, and gorgeous as the one I already have.

One of my all-time favorite places to shop is Neiman Marcus. It's got a totally fulfilling mix of high-end and contemporary labels, and there's just a ton to choose from. The key to not going completely bankrupt here is to take advantage of its massive twice yearly sales, which are always going strong in January (when all the fall merchandise goes on markdown) and in June (for deals on spring clothing). Sadly, there isn't a Neiman's in New York City, but I can still comb its website for bargains. Here, a roundup of my favorite discounted items—all of which are classic enough to count on wearing for at least the next few seasons:

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Sleeveless Ruffled Dress (was $695, now $243)

The crisp, neat silhouette and flirty ruffle have a Holly Golightly quality.

2. Anne Klein New York Patent T-Strap Sandals (were $125, now $88)

A flash of cherry red patent leather instantly makes everything else you're wearing seem that much more fun and pulled together.

3. What Comes Around Goes Around Sequined Capelet (was $550, now $385)

I love the idea of throwing this on to elevate jeans and a simple tee for evening.

4. Prada Mini Zip Clutch (was $125, now $94)

Such a gorgeous shade of aqua—this can be used as a nighttime bag or as an especially glam cosmetics pouch.

5. Twelfth Street Crochet Yoke Silk Dress (was $295, now $207)

Click on the link and check out the back view of this dress. The crochet extends all the way around to the other side and dips low ... so sexy, so pretty, and completely original.

I'm planning to wear this J.Crew dress every weekend for the next three months. It's made of super-soft cotton—the kind that's sure to travel well even if it's crammed into an already overstuffed duffel. The navy and white sailor stripes are so classic and right-on for summer, and there's something about the white bib and banding at the hem that give it a vintagey feel. You could slip it on over a bathing suit at the beach, yet it's still pulled-together enough to wear out to dinner afterward. Oh, and did I mention it's $88 and has pockets too? Hurry and place an order—this is the type of piece that's sure to sell out fast.